Long lasting nail varnish?

[Tinseltrauma]

Please please can someone recommend a long lasting nail varnish? One of my New Years resolutions was to keep my nails looking lovely. I've tried a professional Shellac, it lasted less than 10 days so I don't think it was worth the cash. I don't want gels/acrylics as last time I had those I really damaged my real nails.

I just want a varnish I can do myself but which lasts longer than a couple of days without chipping and therefore needing redoing. Any recommendations would be fab!

I like Essie, mine can last a week which for me is pretty good going as I break all the rules like washing up with no marigolds on, peeling back can lids etc. I go for ballet pumps as the colour -still looks good from a distance even if a tiny bit chipped, unlike a dark colour when it's all I can focus on!

CND vinylux x

Agree with Essie. Also OPI is pretty good. They are the best two I've found.

Shellac, honestly- sounds like poor application. Have you tried a different nail bar?

I use a different brand of shellac- lasts 3 weeks. Speak to the nail bar, dnd is the one I use (think it's those letters)

No7 stay perfect last ages. Not the gel one though. Not got a massive range of colours however

I do gels at home. I found removal was damaging my nails so now I use a peel off base from Sensationail. It doesn't last quite as long but I get a week out of it and it leaves my nails in good condition. I've just started experimenting with nail wraps - there is a thread on here where I am largely talking to myself. I guess the fact that they are not more popular probably means they are not the nail holy grail!

I am trying to grow my nail and look after them and have started to use Dior glow. It is a slightly pink clear which makes the nail tips look whiter. I apply on a Sunday and two coats still look good by Friday. As it is clear, any wear isn't obvious. It looks groomed without being a full polish effect.

Evening. I share your thoughts about shellac and haven’t had a good experience with them. I’ve been using gel for more than 10 years .. not extensions or dip. Have you tried BioSculpture Gel? My nails last around 3 weeks without chipping or lifting. And they allow your nails to grow and actually stay strong!

Thanks so much for all your suggestions, here's to beautiful nails for the whole of 2020!

Sensational peel off base coat is miraculous stuff. Not being hyperbolic, it really has changed my life! My nails look perfect all of the time. Lasts 10 days for me. Using a lamp, base coat, 2 layers of colour and top coat takes less than 15 minutes. Removal is doddle, nails are strong and long. I love it! The sensational starter kit is currently half price at ocado. About £45. Includes lamp, base coat, top coat and 4 colours. I got it for my stepmum for Christmas. Honestly I can't recommend it enough.
As for regular nail varnish, the first poster was correct. CND vinylux. Still chips but not as soon as others.

Another vote for the sensationail kit. I've not tried the peel off base coat yet, but will now, after reading the above recommendation. I agree that although it does last well, the sensationail is a pain to remove. It stays on too well! If you don't want to go down the home gel route,OP, I'd recommend the "sticky sandwich" technique in which you layer a bonderised basecoat (I use the Orly one) with your regular nail varnish (I rate Barry M gelly colours) and then finish with a clear topcoat (I used Seche Vite). Lasts a fair bit longer on me.

I was going to say Sensationail too, but I use the gel express ones.

I don't use a bottom coat so when I've had enough I just pick a time but from the side or bottom of my nail, and find the whole bit comes off. I don't roughen the surface of my nails before using, as after a week I want a change and this makes them come off easier.